Lancers netting success

In 2006, Rob Caliendo became the College of Lake County volleyball coach just weeks before the start of the season.

When he showed up for the first day of practice, three players were there to greet him. Although the Lancers' roster expanded to the point where they completed the season, it was far from an ideal situation.

This season, the outlook is much brighter.

"We don't have to reinvent the wheel each week," Caliendo said.

CLC has nine players on its roster and was a winner in its first Skyway Conference match of the season. The Lancers defeated visiting Morton 30-19, 30-14, 30-19 on Thursday.

"We've worked well together right off the bat," said freshman outside hitter Michelle Sims, a Lake Zurich graduate.

Sims contributed 12 kills, 12 digs and 3 aces against Morton. Freshman Megan Josupait (Carmel) had 28 assists and 14 digs. Freshman libero Jenna Capps (Grant) totaled a team-high 20 digs.

CLC opened its season last weekend by going 1-3 at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Tournament.

"We hit the jackpot," said Caliendo, referring to the Lancers' attitude. "We have nine enthusiastic, positive players."

The combination of Josupait to Sims is one the Lancers will go to a lot this season.

"She's a really smart player," Sims said. "We can look at each other and know what the other is thinking."

In the middle, freshman Ashley Powell (Wauconda) has impressed. The defense is anchored by Capps.

"She's all over the court," Sims said.

Added Capps: "I'm very aggressive. When I see a ball drop, it makes me want the next one ten times more."